Day 1 on the Camino took us from St. Jean Pied de Port to Refuge Orisson, climbing from 90 to 800 meters through the beautiful Basque countryside. The steady uphill hike challenged us early, but stunning mountain views, café stops, and encounters with fellow pilgrims made the effort worthwhile. Along the way, we shared stories with walkers from around the world, each carrying their own reason for taking on the Camino. Arriving at Orisson felt like reaching a mountain oasis, where good food, drinks, and a communal dinner turned strangers into friends — a perfect introduction to the spirit of the Camino.